Artists are being encouraged to complete the process to be considered registered cultural practitioners.

This recommendation came from Minister of Culture, Stephen Lashley, who presented five registered practitioners with their official certificates on Wednesday in his Ministry???s conference room in Sky Mall.

Mr. Lashley stated that over 200 individuals and companies had already begun the registration process. However, he indicated that many persons still have to complete the online registration.

While encouraging artists to conclude the process, the Minister reminded them that there were many benefits to be gained as a registered cultural practitioner. He noted that the certificate operates as a form of identification, which can then aid registered cultural practitioners in securing investment from businesses.

Additionally, he said, according to the Cultural Industries Development Act, only registered practitioners would be given tax and VAT concessions on approved cultural projects.

???That certificate shows the rest of Barbados and the world that you are a legitimate practitioner, recognised by a legitimate authority in Barbados,??? Mr. Lashley pointed out.

It was also noted that part of the Ministry???s aim was to create a database of all the country???s cultural practitioners. This data base, it was noted, would give further exposure to registered cultural practitioners.

Among the first five cultural practitioners who received their certificates were Wayne ???Poonka??? Willock, Curtis Gittens of Pinelands Creative Workshop; David and Rosemary Neilands of The Gap Theatre; and Paul Clarke of Trident Entertainment.

jamal.weekes@barbados.gov.bb

Pin It on Pinterest